According to FINRA, Andy O. Okala was permanently barred from association with any FINRA member firm in January 2026 pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(h), for failure to provide information or keep information current as required by FINRA rules. The bar became effective January 26, 2026.FINRA Rule 9552(h) provides FINRA with authority to permanently bar individuals who fail to comply with their obligation to maintain current registration information or respond to regulatory information requests, and who do not cure the deficiency within the applicable cure period. All registered persons in the securities industry have an ongoing obligation to keep their registration information accurate and current, and to cooperate with FINRA's oversight requests. This transparency is essential to the integrity of FINRA's regulatory system and to the accuracy of public records accessible to investors through FINRA BrokerCheck.The specific circumstances underlying Okala's information failure are not described in detail in the public disciplinary report. The permanent bar means Okala may no longer associate with any FINRA member firm in any capacity. Investors who worked with Okala should review their account history for any concerns and can access his regulatory record through FINRA BrokerCheck. FINRA's ability to protect investors depends on the cooperation and transparency of all registered persons, and individuals who fail to maintain that transparency are subject to permanent removal from the industry.